Oklahoma City, May 6, 2026 — Austin Reaves’ return from a month-long oblique injury remained rocky Tuesday night as the Los Angeles Lakers fell 108-90 to the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 1 of the Western Conference semifinals.
The third-year guard missed 13 of 16 shots and committed a team-high four turnovers. Since rejoining the lineup in Game 5 of the first-round series against Houston, Reaves is 14-for-46 from the floor (30%) and 2-for-17 from beyond the arc (12%). He went 0-for-5 on three-pointers Tuesday, the third time in 29 postseason appearances he has failed to connect from deep.
“I have to play better. Nobody cares about the time I missed,” Reaves said afterward.
ESPN tracking data showed Reaves was 0-for-10 on contested attempts, the first player to shoot that poorly on guarded looks in a playoff game since Draymond Green in 2023.
Teammates urge patience
LeBron James reminded reporters that Reaves had been sidelined four weeks. “We’re trying to fast-track him,” James said. “His presence helps us no matter what.”
Head coach JJ Redick echoed that support but pointed to broader offensive problems. Los Angeles shot 10-for-30 from three-point range and tallied 18 turnovers that produced 20 Thunder points. “We have to make shots and take care of the ball,” Redick said.
Marcus Smart also struggled, finishing 4-for-15. “Unacceptable,” the veteran guard said. “I’ve got to be better.”
Thunder defense holds firm
Thunder coach Mark Daigneault credited his players for denying Reaves easy looks. “You can’t give him cracks,” he said. “We kept him off the line and made him earn everything.” Reaves attempted just two free throws after shooting 13-for-14 in his first two games back against Houston.
James noted the absence of Luka Dončić, who sat out again. “When you face the defending champions without a guy who averages 34-8-9, that’s a big piece missing,” he said.
Game 2 is set for Thursday night in Oklahoma City.
Source: ESPN
